Before you can start creating 3D models in SketchUp for Web, there are a few things we need to cover to make sure you can get up and running as quickly as possible.
Hardware Recommendations and Requirements
SketchUp for Web works best on devices with:
- An accelerated video card with the latest drivers installed
- Plenty of system memory
- A strong processor capable of handling complex models with lots of geometry
Your device should meet the following requirements:
| Minimum Specifications | Recommended Specifications |
|---|---|
| 2.1+ GHz Intel processor | 2.8+ GHz Intel processor |
| 4GB RAM | 8GB+ RAM |
| 700MB of available hard-disk space | 1GB+ available hard-disk space |
| Intel HD integrated graphics card with at least 512MB video memory | Discrete Graphics card such as AMD Radeon R9 M37X 2048 MB |
Although not required, SketchUp for Web works best when you use a mouse and keyboard. A three-button, scroll-wheel mouse makes it easier to orbit, zoom, and precisely position while modeling.
SketchUp for Web supports Retina (high DPI) displays.
Software Requirements
SketchUp for Web depends on WebAssembly technology, requiring cutting-edge browser support. For the best experience, we recommend the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge. SketchUp for Web will work in Safari but we cannot confidently recommend this browser at this time.
WebGPU powers SketchUp for Web’s new graphics engine. When you open SketchUp for Web, the application checks if your browser supports WebGPU. If it does, SketchUp for Web enables the new graphics engine by default. If your browser supports WebGPU, a Graphics tab will appear in SketchUp for Web’s Settings.
If you don’t want to use SketchUp for Web’s newest graphics engine, switch the toggle next to Use Classic Graphics Engine to the on position.
The Graphics tab in Settings will not appear if your browser does not support WebGPU.
Advanced Visualization Features
The WebGPU capabilities of the new graphics engine provide access to several advanced visualization features like Ambient Occlusion, photo-realistic Materials, and Environments. These features are only available with a SketchUp subscription. For more information, see Visualization in SketchUp for Web.
3Dconnexion Support
SketchUp for Web supports the use of Logitech 3D Motion Controllers from 3Dconnexion. Visit the 3Dconnexion website for more information about these controllers.
Trimble Identity
SketchUp for Web is a web-based Software as a Service (SaaS) product. In order to access SketchUp for Web you need a Trimble Identity (Trimble ID). Trimble ID is the sign-in functionality used for fast, secure access to SketchUp and all other Trimble products. Setting up a Trimble ID is free and includes 10GB of storage in Trimble Connect.
See Trimble ID for more information on how to create a Trimble ID, available sign-in options, and other details. To unlock more storage space, along with more SketchUp for Web features, see SketchUp Subscriptions.